Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center

About the Author

Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud Islamic

Cultural Center, is a non-profit organisation
that aims to promote an understanding of
Islam across different sectors of society, both
nationally and globally.
The oldest and most famous ever such
structure is the Alexandria lighthouse which
was first built between 297BC and 280BC.
From the rich Qatari heritage of sailing at
large, the lighthouse was a tangible way of
returning to land safely. Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-
Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center now uses
this exact metaphor to lead needy minds to
ever lasting peace and comfort and towards a
complete way of life.
Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud
Islamic Cultural Center
 Copyright © 2013 by Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud
Islamic Cultural Center

The right of Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center

to be identified as the Author of the Work has been asserted by him in
accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

First published in 2008 by

Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center

Apart from any use permitted under UK copyright law, this

publication may only be reproduced, stored, or transmitted, in any form,
or by any means, with prior permission in writing of the publishers or,
in the case of reprographic production, in accordance with the terms of
licenses issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency.

Every effort has been made to fulfil requirements with regard to

reproducing copyright material. The author and publisher will be glad
to rectify any omissions at the earliest opportunity.

Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center advocates

responsible use of natural resources and environment friendly
practices. Our policy is to use papers that are natural, renewable and
recyclable products and made from wood grown in sustainable forests.
The logging and manufacturing processes are expected to conform to
the environmental regulations of the country of origin.

Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center

Abdullah Bin Jassim St.
PO Box 2204
Doha, Qatar

www.fanar.gov.qa
www.facebook.com/FanarQatar
Contents
Preface 1
a What is Islam? 2
b The Creation 4
Creation of the Universe 6
Creation of Mankind 8
c Life after Death 10
d Oneness of Allah 12
Attributes of God 14
e Five Pillars of Islam 17
Declaration of Faith ‘Shahadah’ 19
Prayer ‘Salah’ 20
Obligatory charity ‘Zakah’ 23
Fasting ‘Saum’ 24
Pligrimage to Makkah ‘Hajj’ 26
f Purpose of Messengers 28
Noah 30
Abraham 32
Moses 34
Jesus 36
Muhammad 39
The Family Tree of the Prophets 42
g Previous Scriptures 44
h The Qur’an 46
i The Sacred Mosque in Makkah 48
j The prophet’s Mosque in Madinah 50
k Al Aqsa Mosque 52
l Miracles of the Qur’an 54
The Embryo 56
The Drowning of Pharaoh 58
Mountains 60
The Seas 62
Clouds 64
Linguistic Miracles 66
The Qur’an & Biology 68
m Islamic Arts 71
Calligraphy 72
Fine Art 74
Architecture 76
Stained Glass 78
Arabesque 79
Islam & Civilisation 80
n Islam & The Environment 86
Preservation of Trees 88
Water 90
Animal Welfare 91
Cleanliness 92
The Community 93
o Islam & Human Rights 94
Women in Islam 96
Rights of Children 98
Ethnic Minorities 100
The Last Sermon of Prophet Mohammed 102
The Covenant of Umar 104
 1

Preface

In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful

The state of Qatar has opened its gates to other cultures and
civilisations while maintaining its local identity. Abdullah Bin Zaid
Al-Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center is one of the most important
landmarks, with its great design along with a spiral minaret that reflects
light and guidance for the whole of mankind.
The very source of the culture of Qatar stems from the doctrines
and cultures of Islam, and with this book we aim to provide you with a
basic guide to the creed of not only this country, but also one fifth of the
world’s population. We have written this aimed at the modern day thinker,
pondering about the very nature of the meaning of life and trying to clear
some of the many misconceptions of today. We also hope to build bridges
between the many communities both within Qatar and globally. By giving
you this book we hope that this acts as a small gesture and will inspire
you to visit our iconic centre.

Ahlan Wa Sahlan
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who strove
to produce the series on Understanding Islam in the forms of posters,
brochures, books and in e-media. The team of writers, proof readers,
designers and managers all strove with one ultimate aim, to seek the
pleasure of their Lord.

Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center

 3

a
Islam is the belief in one
God, Allah. He is one
Supreme Being without
shape and form that we
can comprehend.

In the Arabic language, the word Islam has

many meanings. It comes from the root letters
of ‫( س‬seen) ‫( ل‬laam) and ‫( م‬meem), ‘salaam’.
From these letters the meaning of ‘Islam’ is
described literally as ‘submission’, ‘surrender’,
‘peace’, and ‘safety’. Salaam is also known as
one of Allah’s attributes.
A Muslim is a person who submits himself
to the worship of Allah and the teachings
of Allah, therefore making all those who
believed in the original message of the
oneness of God Muslim. This includes all
of the prophets from Adam through Noah,
Moses and Jesus to Muhammad (may Allah’s
peace and blessings be upon

What is them all).

Islam has come as a mercy to
mankind with a book of guidance
A Muslim is
a person who
Islam?
called the Qur’an, the word of
Allah – revealed 1400 years ago
and unchanged ever since. This
submits himself
book, along with the teachings of
the final messenger Muhammad,
to the worship
shows all of humanity how to
behave in the way commanded
of Allah and
by the Creator in all aspects of
life, both material and spiritual.
the teachings of
Allah...
 5

The
Creation

W
Is it not in the hen there is a loss, for life? Is there a Creator or did this observations and reflect on how
him to cry out to his all appear by random chance? creation was originated:
very nature of Lord? When he is in U nt i l t h e s e q u e s t i o n s a r e “Say [O Muhammad], ‘Travel
every human despair, to raise his eyes for help answered, a person’s soul can never through the land and observe how
from a superior being? Surely, it is find peace and life will seem to be He began creation. Then Allah
to look to the a very innate nature of the whole a futile and meaningless labour. will produce the final creation.
sky when he of mankind. The soul will be in constant turmoil Indeed Allah, over all things, is
is in desperate Every human has a natural in the uncertainty of what will competent.’” (Qur’an 29: 20)
inclination to ask certain questions happen next.
of help? about the purpose of life: what am I The Qur’an invites man to
doing here? What is the purpose of travel the earth, make his own

Creation of
the Universe
J
ust by reflecting on the vast
and wonderful creation around
us, every single human being
can sit and contemplate about the
world around him, and come to
the conclusion that there must be
one designer, one Creator to this
magnificent universe.
When you read this page, look
at the care that has gone into
choosing each word, chapter, the
structure and layout; you may
wonder about their designer.
You may think about the time
each person took in choosing
each letter carefully, picking the
colours, choosing and placing each
paragraph to have an overall effect
on you – the reader.
What about YOU, the reader?
What about YOUR design? Your
intricate organs, the function of
your eyes to take in this beautiful
work, your heart that gets excited
reading each word, the brain you
are utilising? faster and more
powerful than any man-made
computer that is available. Who
designed all of this?
What about the earth you stand
upon, every one of the laws of
biology, chemistry and physics,
from the fundamental forces
such as gravity and upthrust, to
rotation wasn’t exactly correct.
Our solar system is one of many
solar systems. Our Galaxy The
Milky Way is only one of the 100
million galaxies in the universe.
They are all in order and they are all
precise. Instead of conflicting with
one another they are swimming
along in an orbit that has been set
for them. Did human beings set that
into motion and are human beings
maintaining that precision? Could
this just have come into being by a
complete coincidence, a big bang
without a designer?
“Have those who disbelieved not
7
the structure of the atoms and
elements that have been precisely
tailored to make life possible?
L o o k at t h e E a rt h w i t h i n
the solar system, life would be
unsustainable if the Earth’s
...life would be
unsustainable
if the Earth’s
rotation wasn’t
exactly correct.
considered that the heavens and
the earth were a joined entity, and
We separated them and made from
water every living thing? Then will
they not believe?” (Qur’an 2: 30)
“Indeed, in the creation of
the heavens and the earth and
the alternation of the night and
the day are signs for those of
understanding.” (Qur’an 3: 190)
“And He has subjected for you
the night and day and the sun and
moon, and the stars are subjected
by His command. Indeed in that
are signs for a people who reason.”
(Qur’an 16: 12)

Creation of
Mankind
Once we have accepted
that there can only be
one designer of all, we
must look for an answer
for our existence.
The Qur’an explains the creation of man in the
following verse:
“O mankind, fear your Lord, who created
you from one soul and created from it its mate
and dispersed from both of them all men and
women. And fear Allah, through whom you
ask one another, and the kinship. Indeed Allah
is ever, over you, an Observer.” (Qur’an 4: 1)
If you were to receive a gift, for no reason,
a simple drink or a book, I’m sure you would
be inclined to say, ‘Thank you.’ Surely the
designer who gave you your eyes, heart and
lungs should be thanked, acknowledged and
praised. Allah tells us that this is the purpose
of life; to acknowledge Him, worship Him and
obey Him.
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind
except to worship Me.” (Qur’an 51: 56)
By acknowledging Him in all that we do, we
thank Him for the food He provides, the drink
9
Man has been
to quench our thirst, the clothes we
entrusted
wear; everything should have some
recognition for Him.
with the task
When it comes to the creation of
man, it was made very clear in the
of cultivating,
beginning that when Allah created
man it was not in vain, that he was
maintaining
created as God’s vicegerent on earth. and ruling the
Man has been entrusted with the
task of cultivating, maintaining and earth...
ruling the earth according to divine
guidance with justice amongst all
that exists.
“And [mention, O Muhammad], when your
Lord said to the angels, Indeed, I will make
upon the earth a successive authority.”
(Qur’an 2: 30)
Also in the creation of mankind some of the
divine attributes of mercy, forgiveness and
kindness are manifest.
 11

Is There
Life after
Death?
Muslims believe that this
life is a transitory stage, a
preparation for the eternal life
in the Hereafter. Life on this
earth is not the ultimate goal.

D
eath is not the end but a
mere change of worlds,
a stepping stone to the
Hereafter; eternal bliss in
heaven or torment in hell.
Allah will resurrect all on the
Day of Judgement and mankind
will be held accountable for
their actions in accordance
to them being honoured with
intellect and free will. Mankind
has been given the choice to
follow divine guidance and reap
its everlasting rewards in this
life and the Hereafter.
A belief in life after death in
Islam is a pillar of faith.
“Every soul will taste death,
and you will only be given your
[full] compensation on the Day
of Resurrection. So he who
is drawn away from the Fire
and admitted to Paradise has
attained [his desire]. And what
is the life of this world except
the enjoyment of delusion.”
(Qur’an 3: 185)

The Oneness
of Allah
The very foundation of
Islam is the belief in this
one God. Allah was not
born and will never die for
it is a direct contradiction
that the Creator of all must
have been created himself.
A
llah does not look like
anything our minds, sights
and thoughts can imagine
as explained to us in the following
chapter of the Qur’an:
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One.
Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He
neither begets nor is born, Nor
is there to Him any equivalent.’”
(Qur’an 112: 1-4)
It does not make rational sense
to bow down and prostrate to
something that man has created
with his own hands. From the
beginning of time, the worst of sins
was that of associating partners
with Allah; by making idols to
worship, and saying a created thing
was Allah, or a child of Allah or an
intermediary to Allah.
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive
association with Him, but He
forgives what is less than that
for whom He wills. And he who
associates others with Allah
h a s c e rt a i n l y f ab r i c at e d a
tremendous sin.” (Qur’an 4: 48)
Fundamental to the belief of
Islam is that Allah has no sons or
intermediaries. He sent prophets
only to guide humanity, and they
themselves were only men. Allah
guides us to pray to Him directly,
without the need for hierarchy
in the religion. Praying to anyone
else, for example a priest or a
13
Allah does not
look like anything
our minds, sights
or thoughts can
imagine...
saint, to ask for help or support, is
alien in Islam. Instead, prayer and
supplication is a very personal
thing between a believer and his
Lord, Allah.
“Nor could he order you to take
the angels and prophets as lords.
Would he order you to disbelief
after you had been Muslims?”
(Qur’an 3: 80)

Attributes
of God
To worship something that
one has created with his own
hands or to worship a fellow
human being can never bring
peace to the soul, yet the
need to worship or revere is
deep within every human.
I
n Islam we choose to worship one God, Allah
and in His wisdom He has chosen to inform
us of some of His names and attributes, so
that we may understand Him better. Here are
some examples of some of His attributes:
15
Allah is the Creator of all, the Sustainer of all
that He has created, the All-Hearing, All-Seeing
and All-Knowing. His knowledge is all perfect,
including that which is in the past, the present
and the future, whether a secret or not; He is
the Most Gracious, Most Merciful and Most
Beneficent. He is the Self Existing One and the
Ever Living One, He never needs sleep or takes
any rest. He has no partners, sons or parents
and all worship must be directed to Him alone.
He is the Shaper of Beauty, the Creator of Good
and He is the Light and the Guide.
“He is Allah, other than whom there is no
deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection,
the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the
Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the
Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever
they associate with Him. He is Allah, the
Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him
belong the best names. Whatever is in the
heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is
the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (Qur’an 59:
23-24)
AR-RAZZAAQ (The Provider)
”Say: ‘Come I will recite what your Lord has
prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not
associate anything with Him, and to parents,
good treatment, and do not kill your children
out of poverty; We will provide for you and
them...’” (Qur’an 6: 151)
AL-GHAFOOR (The Forgiving)
”But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver
of whoever repents and believes, and does
righteousness and then continues in guidance.”
(Qur’an 20, 82)
AL-QAYYUM (The Sustainer)
”Allah - there is no deity except Him, the
Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.”
(Qur’an 3, 2)
 17

Five
Pillars
of Islam
As the pillars holding up a
building are important to
its structure and stability,
likewise the 5 pillars of
Islam are important to
every Muslim.
They provide the outward steadiness and
constancy to a person’s faith and hold
Muslims together as a brotherhood. The
first pillar is the Declaration of Faith
(Shahadah), the second, Prayer (Salah),
the third, Obligatory Charity (Zakah),
the fourth Fasting (Sawm) and the fifth,
Pilgrimage (Hajj).
 19

The Declaration of
Faith ‘Shahadah’

This is the most significant pillar

of belief; declaring outwardly,
“There is none worthy of
worship except Allah and
Muhammad is the final
messenger of Allah.”

T
he is the agreement
between you and Allah,
confirming that you accept
the belief in one God (Allah), and
that Muhammad was sent as His
final messenger and prophet. The
result of this makes you part of
the Muslim community, which
is there to help and support
you in achieving your goals and
understanding your purpose in life.
This is the
agreement
between you
and Allah...

Prayer ‘Salah’
The relationship between
a Muslim and Allah is very
important, and is made more
unique by praying directly to
Him, without any intercessor.
21
W e are commanded to pray five times a
day, increasing us in the remembrance
of Allah, keeping us on the path of good, and
wiping away the sins.
“And establish prayer and give zakah, and
whatever good you put forward for yourselves
– you will find it with Allah. Indeed Allah, of
what you do, is seeing.” (Qur’an 2: 110)
 23

Obligatory
Charity ‘Zakah’
As well as looking after
one’s own self, Allah tells
us to look after people less
fortunate than ourselves.

T
h e wo r d z a k a h c o m e s f r o m t h e
meanings “purification” and “growth”.
A believer helps another by giving a
portion of his wealth to the less fortunate
once a year. This is most commonly calculated
at just 2.5% of an individual’s wealth. It is
given to, amongst others, the poor, the needy,
and the stranded traveller. It differs from
ordinary charity in that it is not optional. In
Islam wealth belongs to Allah, and is held by
people in trust, so they should use it to the
benefit of society.
“And they were not commanded

It is given except to worship Allah, (being)

sincere to Him in religion, inclining
to amongst to truth, and to establish prayer
and to give zakah. And that is the
others the correct religion.” (Qur’an 98: 5)

poor, the
needy, and
the stranded
traveller.

Fasting ‘Sawm’
Every year in the month of Ramadan (the ninth
month of the lunar year), all Muslims fast from
dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drink,
and marital relations with the explicit intention of
doing so for the sake of Allah.
...we learn that we are not
the slaves of our habits but
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was
revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people
and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So
whoever sights [the new moon of] the month,
let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey
– then an equal number of other days. Allah
intends for you ease and does not intend for
you hardship and [wants] for you to complete
the period [of fasting] and to glorify Allah for
25
that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps
you will be grateful.” (Qur’an 2: 185)
Allah commands us to fast in order to
seek His pleasure, and in doing so we raise
our levels of spirituality trying to get closer
to Allah. By changing our habits and daily
routines in accordance to divine orders, we
the servants of Allah.
learn that we are not the slaves of our habits
but the servants of Allah. By cutting oneself
off voluntarily from worldly comforts, even
for a short time, a fasting person also gains
true sympathy with those who go without
food and water on a regular basis.
 27

Pilgrimage ‘Hajj’
If the conditions of Hajj are met, such as
having enough wealth, Allah has made
the pilgrimage to Makkah obligatory, once
in a person’s life. The rituals of Hajj date
back to the time of prophet Abraham
and commemorate some of the trials he
and his family faced in Makkah. It is also
a journey to the Ka’bah; the symbolic
building whose location was originally
chosen by prophet Adam.

T
he Hajj is a time when Muslims from all around
the world of different races, colours and
languages come together in a spirit of universal
brotherhood to worship Allah. The men wear two un-
sewn pieces of cloth, making them one people without
any class or distinction. The rich, the poor, the black
and the white stand side by side, equal in the eyes of
Allah apart from their deeds.
The celebrations of the Hajj and the Eid Al-Adha are
a remembrance for those who are needy, and a day of
worship to Allah. The meat of the sacrifice is distributed
to the needy, and extra prayers are offered.
“Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever
has made hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by
entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no
sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing
during hajj. And whatever good you do – Allah knows
it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision
is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.”
(Qur’an 2: 197)
 29

H
aving created man with the power of thought
and free will, Allah sent prophets and

f
messengers as a guide for mankind. Each
prophet was sent to his particular people to remind
them of the need to worship one God, and refrain from
associating partners with Him. They were not gods, sons
or partners of God, but were simply the best of mankind,
chosen because of their humility in their behaviour,
morals, peacefulness and knowledge of Allah.
Allah sent a long chain of prophets from the first days
of mankind, from prophet Adam (the Father of human
beings) – and sealed them with prophet Muhammad,
the final prophet (peace be upon them). This long
chain included the prophets of the people of Israel
and the five great messengers who came with the most
important messages: Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus
and Muhammad (May Allah’s peace and blessings be
upon them all).
Prophets were the leaders of humanity who

Purpose of
knew how to worship one God. They knew about the
Hereafter, about good morals and
human rights and they guided their
Prophets were people to the same. The Holy Qur’an

messengers
tells us that every messenger said
the leaders of to his people:
“O my people, worship Allah; You
humanity who have no deity other than Him...”
(Qur’an 7: 59)
knew how to “Indeed, Allah orders justice

worship one God. and good conduct, and giving to

Is it fair to create an object, and
then allow it to function without
any rules and regulations and
finally call it to account and
punish it for breaking the rules?
relatives and forbids immorality
and bad conduct and oppression. He
admonishes you that perhaps you
will be reminded.” (Qur’an 16: 90)
Mohammed was the final of these messengers, who
brought Allah’s message for the whole of mankind
from the first day of revelation to the final day of our
existence. Because of this we see Muslims from all
over the globe, of all colours and races, accepting and
respecting all of the prophets of Allah, as they were all
on the same path of worshipping one God.

Prophet Noah
The Second Father
of Humanity
T
The Holy Books of Judaism, Christianity
and Islam speak the same way about
he Qur’an tells us that he
was a messenger who lived
prophet Noah and the great flood. for 950 years. He selflessly
dedicated his life to preaching to
his people the belief in one God,
to leave worshipping idols and
statues and to be merciful to the
weak and the needy. He told them
about the signs of God’s Power and
Mercy and warned them about
the severe punishment on the
Day of Judgement, but they were
very stubborn and ignored his
warnings. Allah punished them
with the great flood and saved
only the believers who followed
the prophet.
There is a chapter in the Holy
Qur’an about prophet Noah. His
story is detailed in one of the
longest chapters of the Qur’an
called Hud, the 11th Chapter, with
more details about the flood and
the ship including these points:
• Noah asked the people to serve
Allah and keep their duty unto
Allah, so that sins may be forgiven.
• Noah called them night and day,
but they thrust their fingers in their
ears and persisted in their refusal.
• He asked them to seek pardon
of their Ever-Forgiving Lord and
31
His story is
detailed in one
of the longest
chapters of the
Qur’an called
Hud...
He will help them with wealth and
sons, and will assign unto them
gardens and rivers and a good life.
• Allah the Almighty told Noah
that none of these people will
believe except those who have
believed already, He instructs
Noah to build the ship through
inspiration. When Noah’s people
passed by him, they made a
mockery of him.
• When Noah finished building
the ship, Allah ordered Noah to load
therein two of every kind, a pair
(the male and female), most of his
household, and those who believed.
• And it was said: ‘O earth!
Swallow your water and, O sky! Be
cleared of clouds!’ And the water
was made to subside. And the
commandment was fulfilled. And
as the ship came to rest upon (the
mount) Al-Judi with Noah and the
believers, humanity was given
another opportunity for a new
beginning.

Prophet Abraham
The Father of
the Prophets
Prophet Abraham is one of the
most brilliant personalities in
history, be it in the area of religion,
morals, social life or fatherhood.
H
e in reality is the Father
of the prophets because
Allah the Almighty chose
many prophets from his offspring
including Isaac, Jacob, David and
their sons, along with Ishmael the
forefather of the last messenger
33
Abraham thought about the they tried to burn him alive. Allah
oneness of the Creator from a
very early age. He entered into
saved him from the heat of the fire
and chose him as a prophet to guide
serious debates with the monks his people.
of his day, refuting their tendency
to worship idols, stars and fire. He
He was a prophet, model father
and a model son. Here are some
told them that these idols are not
worthy or eligible of worship, so
glimpses about his life mentioned
in the Qur’an:
He entered into serious
debates with the monks
of his day, refuting their
tendency to worship
idols, stars and fire.
“And mention in the Book (the
• Abraham was a very obedient
son to his disbelieving father, kind story of) Abraham. Indeed, he was
and very patient. a man of truth and a prophet.”
• Allah showed him the kingdom (Qur’an 19: 41)
of the heavens and the earth • Allah gave him the wisdom and
so that he should be of those ability to affect others: “And that
possessing certainty. was Our [conclusive] argument
Muhammad (peace and blessings
• He debated with his people which We gave Abraham against
of Allah be upon them all).
about the false celestial gods and his people. We raise by degrees
There are long chapters in the
declared that he can not worship whom We will. Indeed, your Lord is
Qur’an about prophet Abraham. His
them because they are not worthy. Wise and Knowing.” (Qur’an 6: 83)
biography and glorious deeds are
• Allah the Almighty mentioned
mentioned in different places of
him in the Qur’an as a chosen one:
the Qur’an.

Prophet
Moses
(Kalamullah)
Prophet Moses was a major
prophet and a leader who
freed the Children of Israel
from the oppression of
Pharaoh; he is not only
referred to in Judaism and
Christianity but also in Islam.
P
rophet Moses is the most frequently
mentioned of all prophets in the Qur’an;
136 times in thirty-four chapters and
he is included in the authenticated sayings of
prophet Muhammad.
The birth of Moses and his entrance to the
Pharaoh’s palace, his trip to Madyan, selection
as a prophet, dispatch to the Pharaoh to save
the Children of Israel, struggle with Pharaoh
and the exodus of the Children of Israel from
Egypt, the revelation of divine commands
on Mount Sinai, events in the desert and his
leadership of the Children of Israel are all
discussed clearly in the Qur’an.
chosen above other
In the Qur’an, it is mentioned that
Moses was chosen above other
men with the mission Allah had
entrusted to him. The words that
Allah had spoken to him (Qur’an 7:
143), the fact that he was covered
with the garment of love from
Allah, as well as being reared
under Allah’s eye (Qur’an 20: 39),
all indicate the preparation of
Moses for Allah’s service (Qur’an
20: 41).
35
In the Qur’an,
it is mentioned
that Moses was
men with the
mission Allah had
entrusted to him.
In the Qur’an, Moses is depicted
as a prophet who gives glad tidings
about the coming of prophet
Muhammad; the Qur’an also tells
us that the coming of an illiterate
prophet was mentioned in the
Torah and Gospel (Qur’an 7: 157).
In Islamic tradition Moses is
called ‘Kalamullah’, whom the
Lord spoke to, because Allah spoke
to him and revealed His verses to
him directly.

Prophet Jesus
The Great messenger
Jesus in Islam is a messenger of God
who had been sent to guide ‘Bani
Israel’, the Children of Israel, with a
new scripture, the ‘Injil’ or the Gospel.
T
he Qur’an states that Mary
gave birth to Jesus without
a man having touched her, a
miraculous event which occurred
by the decree of God.
“And mention, [O Muhammad], in
the Book [the story of] Mary, when
she withdrew from her family to a
place towards the east...Then We
sent to her Our Angel [i.e. Gabriel],
and he represented himself to her
as a well-proportioned man... He
To aid him in his quest, Jesus was
given the ability to perform miracles,
with the permission of Allah.
said, ‘I am only the messenger of
your Lord to give you [news of] a
pure boy [i.e. son].’ She said, ‘How
can I have a boy while no man has
touched me and I have not been
unchaste?’ He said, ‘Thus [it will be];
your Lord says, “It is easy for Me
and We will make him a sign to the
people and a mercy from Us. And
it is a matter [already] decreed.” ’ ”
(Qur’an 19: 16-21)
To aid him in his quest, Jesus
was given the ability to perform
37
miracles, with the permission
of Allah. According to Islamic
texts, Jesus was neither killed
nor crucified, but rather he was
raised alive up to heaven. Islamic
traditions narrate that he will
return to earth near the Day of
Judgement to restore justice and
defeat the Antichrist.
Like all prophets in Islam,
Jesus is considered to have been
a Muslim, as he preached for
people to adopt the straight path
in submission to God’s will. Islam
rejects that Jesus was God or the
son of God, stating that he was an
ordinary human being who, like
other prophets, had been divinely
chosen to spread God’s message.
Islamic texts forbid the association
of partners with God, emphasising
the notion of God’s Divine Oneness.
Numerous titles are given to Jesus
in the Qur’an, such as ‘al-Maseeh,
but they do not correspond with
the meaning accrued in Christian
belief; rather Jesus is the son
of Mary and Almighty God’s
servant. Jesus is seen in Islam as
a precursor to Muhammad, and
is believed by Muslims to have
foretold his coming.
 39

Prophet
Muhammad
The Seal of the
messengers

Muhammad, the prophet of Islam,

was born in Makkah in the year
570 CE. As an orphan, he was
raised by his uncle who was from
the respected tribe of Quraysh.

A
s he grew up, he became known to
be truthful, honest, generous, and
sincere. So much so, that they called
him ‘The Trustworthy’. Muhammad was very
pious, and he had long detested the decadence
and idolatry of his society. At the age of 40,
Muhammad received his first revelation
from Allah through the Angel Gabriel. The
revelations of the words of Allah continued
for 23 years, and they are collectively known
as the Qur’an.

As soon as he began to recite the
Qur’an and preach the truth which
Allah had revealed to him, he and his
small group of followers suffered
persecution from the society
around them. The persecution
grew so fierce that in the year 622
CE Allah gave them the command
to migrate to Madinah.
The revelations
of the words of
Allah continued
for 23 years,
and they are
collectively
known as the
Qur’an.
41
After several years, Muhammad
and his followers returned to Among the merciful, compassionate, truthful,
and brave human being. Though
Makkah and, having peacefully
conquered it, so they forgave
reasons for he was a man, he was far removed
from all evil characteristics and
their enemies who had once
persecuted them relentlessly.
the rapid and strove solely for the sake of Allah
and his reward in the Hereafter.
Before Muhammad died at the
age of 63, the greater part of the
peaceful spread Moreover, in all of his actions and
dealings, he was ever mindful and
Arabian Peninsula had become
Muslim, and within a century of
of Islam was fearful of God.
“O Mankind, the messenger has
his death Islam had spread to the truth and come to you with the truth from
Spain in the West and as far East
as China. Among the reasons for clarity of its
your Lord, so believe; it is better
for you. But if you disbelieve –
the rapid and peaceful spread of
Islam was the truth and clarity of doctrine.
then indeed, to Allah belongs
whatsoever is in the heavens and
its doctrine.
Prophet Muhammad was a
earth. And ever is Allah Knowing
and Wise.” (Qur’an 4: 170)
perfect example of an honest, just,
 43

Summary of the Family Tree of the Prophets

Mohammad
Elisha

Adam Moses Aaron

John
Elijah

Joseph Zakariya

Enoch
Jacob David Solomon Mary Jesus

Jonah

Noah Isaac Job Ezekiel

Hud Shoaib

Salih
Abraham Ismail

Lut

Descendant Ulu’l Azm (Arch-Prophets) Messengers of the most strongest will

Father/Mother & son Siddiqa - Righteous person who believed

in Allah and was devoutly obedient

The Previous
Books
Throughout time, Allah sent many
prophets to guide humanity to worship
Him alone. In essence, the message has
been the same from the first prophet
Adam to the final prophet Muhammad
in that humanity has been asked to
worship one God and one God alone.
T
h e r e w e r e fi v e m a j o r
prophets who were given
d i v i n e k n ow l e d g e w i t h
which to guide their people, which
included scriptures to help guide
the people. All of these books
have been changed from their
original text by mankind with the
exception of the Qur’an, which has
never to this day been altered or
re-issued as a new version.
T h e p r ev i ou s b o o k s we r e
sent to Abraham (the Scrolls), to
Moses (the Torah and the Tablets),
to David (the Psalms), to Jesus
(the Gospel), and to Muhammad
(the Qur’an). The Qur’an does
not exclude the possibility that
a d d i t i o n a l h o l y b o o k s we r e
45
sent to other prophets, but does
not mention any. The Sunnah
(traditions of prophet Muhammad)
narrates that the prophets counted
scores of thousands, but those
mentioned in the Qur’an, some with
holy books others without. (See
The Family Tree of prophets). The
Islamic belief is to acknowledge
and accept these previous books
in their original form.
“...All of them have believed in
Allah and His angels and His books
and His messengers, [saying], ‘We
make no distinction between any
of His messengers.’ ” (Qur’an 2: 285)

h These revelations
The Holy
Qur’an
This is certainly the most important
revelation for Muslims. Islamic beliefs
about revelation are based on the
Qur’an (the Islamic holy book). The
Qur’an is different from any other
book because it is composed entirely
of the words of Allah.
I
n 611CE the prophet
Muhammad was reflecting in
a cave when the Angel Gabriel
appeared to him. Muhammad was
unlettered but three times Gabriel
ordered him to ‘read’:
The angel said: “Read! In the
name of your Lord and Cherisher,
who created, created man, out of
a [mere] clot of blood. Read! And
your Lord Is Most Bountiful, He
who taught [the use of] the pen,
taught man that which he knew
not.” (Qur’an 96: 1-5)
Gabriel then told Muhammad
that he was to be the messenger
o f A l l a h . T h e s e r eve l at i o n s
continued for the next 23 years
until the final revelation:
“This day I have perfected your
religion for you, completed My
favour upon you, and have chosen
for you Islam as your religion.”
(Qur’an 5: 3)
Muhammad remained unlettered
and the Qur’an was written down
directly by his companions, who
also memorised it by heart. The
Qur’an has 114 surahs, or chapters,
arranged in the order decreed by
Allah and conveyed by the Angel
Gabriel. For Muslims the Qur’an
contains only the literal unchanged
wo r d s o f A l l a h . I t i s d i r e c t
revelation from Allah to humanity.
Because the Qur’an is the word of
Allah it cannot be contradicted.
To preserve the true words of
Allah, the Qur’an is always recited
for worship in Arabic, because
the true meaning of the words
47
continued for the
next 23 years
until the final
revelation...
can only be found in the Arabic
language, however, there are
interpretations of the meanings
in other languages. The Qur’an is
the last and most complete book
of guidance from Allah and applies
to all people forever. It is still
widely memorised to perfection,
throughout the globe and is the
central part of every Muslim’s
daily life. In his sermon on Mount
Arafat, Muhammad made it clear
that this was the final revelation;
No prophet or messenger will
come after him and no new faith
will emerge.

The Sacred
Mosque in
Makkah
There are three Holy sites of Islam
that a Muslim is recommended to
journey to: the Sacred Mosque in
Makkah, the prophet’s Mosque in
Al-Madinah and Al-Aqsa Mosque
in Jerusalem.
T
he virtues of these mosques
are stated in the following
sayings of the prophet
Muhammad:
“Set out deliberately on a
journey only to three mosques:
this mosque of mine [in Al-
Madinah], the Sacred Mosque [in
Makkah], and al-Aqsa Mosque [in
Jerusalem].” (Bukhari and Muslim)
“A prayer in the Sacred Mosque
[in Makkah] is worth 100,000
prayers more than in any other
mosque, a prayer in my mosque
[in Madinah] is worth 1,000 more,
and a prayer in Jerusalem [al-Aqsa
Mosque] is worth 500.” (Bukhari)
“The first house [of worship]
appointed for mankind was that
at Bakka [Makkah]; full of blessing
and of guidance for all kinds of
beings.” (Qur’an 3: 96)
The Holy Mosque in Makkah is
built around the Ka’bah, the first
house consecrated to the worship
of the One True God. The Ka’bah
is the simple cube building which
is completely empty, raised by
prophet Abraham and his son
prophet Ishmael on the original
foundations laid down by Adam. At
the eastern corner of the Ka’bah
there is a black stone known as ‘al-
Hajar al–Aswad’ which is the only
remnant of the original building
that was built by prophet Abraham
and his son.
The Ka’bah is the direction to
49
The Ka’bah is
the direction to
which Muslims
turn in prayer.
which Muslims turn in prayer.
Neither the Ka’bah nor the Black
Stone are objects of worship but
serve as a focal point that unifies
Muslims in worship.
Prophet Mohammed narrated
about the Ka’bah: “You are sacred,
but the blood of a believer is more
sacred to Allah than you.” (Sahih)

The Prophet’s
Mosque in
Madinah
One of the earliest mosques built in Islam
was the one built in Al-Madinah by the
prophet Muhammad in the year 622 CE.
It was a very simple structure made from
adobe bricks and stone.
A
djacent to the mosque was the modest
house of the prophet Muhammad in
which he was later buried along with
two of his companions; Abu Bakr As-Saddiq
and Umar Ibn Al-Khattab. The mosque acted as
a centre for the community, not only allowing
facilities for learning and celebrations, but
distributing charity, writing to other heads
of state and meeting delegations. After the
establishment of the mosque, the Muslim
51
community spread around it so that it became
the very heart of the state.
S u c c e s s i ve exp a n s i o n s t h r ou g h ou t
history have made the prophet’s Mosque the
magnificent architectural masterpiece it is
today. Adjacent to the mosque is the beautiful
green dome under which the grave of prophet
Muhammad can be found.
There is an area within the Mosque,
between the the pulpit and the grave of
prophet Mohammed, called “Ar-Rawda As-
Shareefa” where Muslims prefer to pray as
they consider the area a place from Paradise.
 53

k Al-Aqsa “Exalted is He who took

His Servant [prophet
Muhammad] by night
from Al-Masjid Al-Haram
to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa,
whose surroundings We
have blessed, to show
him of Our signs. Indeed,
He is the Hearing, the
Seeing.” (Qur’an 17, 1)

A
l-Aqsa Mosque in the city of Al-Quds
(Jerusalem) is the third holiest site
in Islam. It is dear to the hearts of
Muslims as it was the first mosque that they
turned to in prayer before the Ka’bah. It is
also the mosque that the prophet Muhammad
was taken to on the night journey (Isra` and
Miraaj) and the place where he led all the
prophets in prayer.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is the entire noble
sanctuary, which includes not only Umar’s
Mosque but also the Dome of the Rock
and other landmarks inside the stone
fence totalling more than 200 places. The
entire area covers over
144,000 square metres
and encompasses over one
sixth of Jerusalem’s old city.
Prayer anywhere
Prayer anywhere within the
enclosed sanctuary will be
within the enclosed
weighed 500 times more
than prayer in a regular
sanctuary will be
mosque, in terms of reward. weighed 500 times
more than prayer...
 55

Miracles of Some questions must

be created in the mind

the Qur’an
of a reader when a book
talks of the embryological
development of the foetus,
talks of the formation
of the clouds and rain,
talks of the seas and their
properties many miles
below the surface, yet all
of this without man having
created a microscope,
plane or submarine.

T
he Qur’an was revealed to a man in the
middle of the Arabian desert, over 1400
years ago. A man who could neither read
nor write. What questions does this raise
about the Qur’an and its miraculous nature? In
today’s age of science and modern technology,
we are constantly learning new facts and
figures. By taking a minute to think of what
role religion has played in teaching us about
the world around us, you may be surprised
to know what information we have received
through the Qur’an.
 57

From the beginning stages of development, the

Qur’an accurately portrays the growth of the
embryo. Firstly, is the ‘Nutfah’ or drop stage: this
is when a sperm combines with the female egg to
form the zygote which has the shape of a drop of
fluid; hence the name ‘Nutfah’.

T
he following stage is the
‘Alaqah’; which in Arabic
has three meanings; leech,
suspended thing and blood clot.
The embryo not only resembles a
leech, but it also uses the mother’s
blood to feed from. As it grows,
it starts to take on a form which
holds onto the womb of the mother,
as if suspended. The final step of
the ‘Alaqah’ stage is where the
embryo takes on large amounts
of blood from the mother; the fact
that the blood does not begin to
circulate at this time makes it look
like a blood clot.
Next is the ‘Mudghah’ stage. In
Arabic this has the same meaning
as a chewed-like substance.
The growing spine of the baby
resembles that of a chewed
substance. After that comes
‘Izam’. The next stage described
in the Qur’an is that of the bones
being clothed with flesh which
accurately describes how the
muscles start to form around the
The Embryo
bones.
What has been revealed to us
in the Qur’an about embryology
over 1400 years ago has only been
discovered by modern science
in the last few decades. Even as
late as the 17th century, with the
invention of the microscope, it
was believed that sperm contained
miniature human beings.
“And certainly did We create
man from an extract of clay. Then
we placed him as a sperm – drop
in a firm lodging [i.e. the womb].
Then we made the clot into a
lump [of flesh], and We made
[from] the lump, bones, and We
covered the bones with flesh; then
We developed him into another
creation. So blessed is Allah, the
best of Creators.” (Qur’an 23: 12-14)
What has been
revealed to us in
the Qur’an about
embryology over
1400 years ago
has only been
discovered by
modern science
in the last few
decades.

The Drowning
of Pharaoh
In the time of prophet Moses
Pharaoh was a dominant force,
who refused to believe in the
Oneness of Allah.
H
e was haughty and
arrogant and spent his life
threatening the life of the
prophet. Even when Moses warned
him he would be drowned, he still
refused to believe. Only when
faced with certain death did he
proclaim he believed in Allah;
“We took the Children of Israel
across the sea, and Pharaoh and
his soldiers pursued them in
tyranny and enmity until, when
drowning overtook him, he said:
‘I believe that there is no deity
except that in whom the Children
of Israel believe and I am of the
Muslims.’ ” (Qur’an 10: 90)
59
“Allah responded; ‘Now? And you
disobeyed [Him] before and were of
the corrupters? So today We will
save you in body that you may be to
those who succeed you a sign. And
indeed, many among the people, of
Our signs, are heedless.’ ” (Qur’an
10: 91-92)
Even when
Moses warned
him he would be
drowned, he still
refused to believe.

Roots of
Mountains
are like Pegs
When making a tent using pegs to hold the ropes
and material up, you will know that the majority
of the peg disappears into the soil, whilst a small
amount remains above the ground.
61
T
his technique is used to support the tent
and to stop it from falling down. The
Qur’an describes mountains as pegs, a
theory that Sir George Airy only introduced in
1865. Modern advances in geology show that
mountains sit on deep bedded roots, which hold
them up and stabilise the crust of the earth.
“Allah tells us in the Qur’an: ‘Have We not
made the earth a resting place? And the
mountains as pegs?’ ” (Qur’an 78: 6-7)
“And He has cast into the earth firmly set
mountains, lest it shift with you, and (made)
rivers and roads, that you may be guided.”
(Qur’an 16: 15)
 63

A Natural Barrier
Between Seas

Scientists have recently proven that where two

bodies of water come together there is a barrier What is interesting
undetectable to the human eye which maintains
the salinity, temperature and density of each, is that pearl divers
with neither transgressing the other.
in the Gulf knew
of this natural
phenomenon.
T
his can be observed where them is a barrier [so] neither of What is interesting is that pearl
the Mediterranean meets them transgresses.” (Qur’an 55: divers in the Gulf knew of this
the Atlantic Ocean. When it 19-20) natural phenomena. There are in
comes to sweet water meeting salt ‘“And it is He who has released the salty waters of the Arabian
water in estuaries this is also true. [simultaneously] the two seas, Gulf, ‘springs’ of sweet water that dive to replenish their stores of
This ‘barrier’ was mentioned in the one fresh and sweet and one salty lie about four to six metres below fresh water. One such famous
Qur’an over 1400 years ago. and bitter, and He placed between sea level. During the long months spring is ‘Ain Ighmisa’ which lies to
“He released the two seas, them a barrier and prohibiting at sea pearl divers would frequent the north-east of the city of Jubail
meeting [side by side]; Between partition.” (Qur’an 25: 53) these springs, where they would in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Qur’an
on the topic
of Clouds
After the modern day
study of clouds, scientists
have deduced that rain
clouds are formed and
shaped according to
certain systems.
A
n example of this is the
cumulonimbus cloud and
how they produce rain, hail
and lightning taking many steps;
smaller cumulus clouds are pushed
together by winds to an area where
they start to join together to form
into larger cumulonimbus clouds.
They are then stacked one on top of
each other where updrafts within
65
The cloud
stretches into
cooler regions of
the atmosphere
causing drops of
water and hail
to formulate...
the larger clouds cause the body to
grow vertically in size. The cloud
stretches into cooler regions of the
atmosphere causing drops of water
and hail to formulate and begin to
grow larger and larger. After the
weight of these reaches a certain
point, they fall to the earth.
“....And He sends down from the
sky, mountains [of clouds] within
which is hail, and He strikes with
it whom He wills, and averts it
from whom He wills. The flash of
its lightning almost takes away the
eyesight.” (Qur’an 24: 43)

Linguistic Miracles
of The Qur’an
To those who doubted the
Allah, to produce a single
chapter like the chapters
The Holy Qur’an was revealed at a time where
people used poetry and words to dazzle their
audience, resulting in contests between people
and the emergence of a high level of eloquence
in the Arabic language.
M
uhammad was a man, who for 40
years of his life, upto the point of
receiving revelation, stayed away
from the poets of Arabia. Yet the words that
were revealed to him and were passed to the
people around were finer, more tremendous
and more rhythmical than any one had
heard before.
To those who doubted the source of the
Qur’an, a challenge was set out by Allah, to
produce a single chapter like the chapters
67
of the Qur’an with their beauty, eloquence,
splendour, judicious legislation, factual
information, accurate prophecy, and other
perfect attributes. No one has ever been able
to meet this challenge, then or today. Neither
will anybody be able to meet it in the future.
source of the Qur’an, a
challenge was set out by
of the Qur’an...
Allah says in the Qur’an; “Then do they not
reflect upon the Qur’an? If it had been from
(any) other than Allah, they would have found
within it much contradiction.” (Qur’an 4: 82)
“And if you are in doubt about what We
have sent down [the Qur’an] upon Our Servant
[prophet Muhammad], then produce a surah (a
chapter) the like thereof and call upon your
witnesses [supporters] other than Allah, if
you should be truthful. But if you do not – and
you will never be able to – then fear the Fire..”
(Qur’an 2: 23-25)
“So when the Qur’an is recited, then listen
to it and pay attention that you may receive
mercy.” (Qur’an 7: 204)
“[This is] a blessed book which We have
revealed to you [O Muhammad], that they
might reflect upon its verses and those of
understanding would be reminded.” (Qur’an
38: 29)

The Qur’an &
Biology
Allah created the Earth as we
know it in perfection, from
the design of the cell that
makes up all living matter to
the order in which the laws
of nature function.
T ‘We... made from water every
he Qur’an describes in
varying levels of details many
biological wonders, again
many of them discussed, taught,
and a cause for enlightenment to
the rest of the world.
The invention of the microscope
advanced the development of
science, and it is modern scientific
study that discovered that a large
percentage of living cells are made
up of water. This fact was known to
Muslims many hundreds of years
previously, and when mentioned
in the Qur’an it is followed by
a request to ponder about the
Creator of mankind.
69
‘We... made from water every
living thing...Then will they not
believe?’ (Qur’an 21:30)
I n o n e ex a mp l e w h e n t h e living thing...Then will they
Q u r ’ a n d i s c u s s e s t h e H o n ey
Bee, the worker producing the
not believe?’ (Qur’an 21:30)
honey, cleaning and defending
the hive, looking after the young,
feeding the queen and building
the honeycomb, the word used is
in its female form. This may not common knowledge for Muslims. construct.Then eat from all the
seem significant, yet it was the Other aspects that are discussed fruits and follow the ways of your
focus of years of scholarly work. are the healing properties of Lord laid down [for you].’ There
Jan Swammerdam in the 1600s honey, something that is widely emerges from their bellies a drink,
was writing about “King” bees accepted today. varying in colours, in which there
having an ovary, while Richard “And your Lord inspired to the is healing for people. Indeed in
Remnant in 1637 wrote that all bee, ‘Take for yourself among the that is a sign for a people who give
worker bees were in fact female. mountains, houses, and among thought.” (Qur’an 16: 68-69)
Over 1000 years earlier this was the trees and [in] that which they
 71

m
Islamic Arts

There is a common misconception

about the importance of Arts in
Islam. Indeed the predominant
thought is that arts and beauty
have no place in this way of life,
yet just a few historical facts
simply refute this.

W
ithin a hundred years of the spread of
Islam, art began to take importance within
the Muslim world, including the forms of
calligraphy, painting, ceramics, rugs and carpets, tiling,
glass, metalwork, and the carving of rock and ivory.
The beauti@ication of architecture was also key, and
included the decoration of lamps and tiles, and grew in
importance as the Muslim world grew.
Examples of how Islamic art spread and influenced
others can be seen in the great mosques of the Ottoman
region, and how they influenced the architecture
of Rome. The trade of stained glass from Egypt to
Vietnam in the 9th century is further testimony of the
distinction of Islamic art. This section aims to give you
a simple overview of some of the very basic aspects of
art in Islam, in an attempt to impart just a nuance of its
significance to the Islamic way of life.

Calligraphy
Because of the Muslim’s profound
respect and love for the Qur’an, the
art of calligraphy was developed early
on and reached a very high degree.
T
hroughout the Muslim world, Qur’anic
verses beautify mosques, palaces,
homes, businesses, and public areas.
Often calligraphy is done in conjunction with
decorative motifs, lovingly embellishing what
is most sacred and precious.
Over the centuries, many scripts have
evolved in various regions of the Muslim
world. The main Arabic calligraphy styles are
described briefly below.
KUFIC
Kufic is more or less a square and angular
script, characterised by its heavy, bold, and
lapidary style. Its letters are generally thick and
it is suitable for writing on stone or metal, for
painting or engraving inscriptions on the walls
of mosques, and for the lettering on coins.
NASKH
Naskh is perhaps the most popular script
in the Arab world. It is a cursive script based
on certain laws governing the proportions
between the letters. Naskh is legible and
73
clear and was adapted as the preferred style
for typesetting and printing. It evolved into
innumerable styles and varieties, including
the ta’liq, the riqa’, and the diwani, and became
the parent of the modern Arabic script.
Over the centuries,
many scripts have
evolved in various
regions of the
Muslim world.
THULUTH
This is the most important of all the
ornamental scripts and is considered the king
of styles. It is usually used to write headings,
religious inscriptions, and princely titles and
epigraphs.
TA’LIQ
Designed specifically to meet the needs of
the Persian language and is still used widely in
Iran, Afghanistan and the Indian subcontinent,
Ta’liq is a fluid and elegant script.
DIWANI
Excessively cursive and highly structured
with its letters unconventionally joined
together with no vowel marks. It was
developed during the reign of the early
Ottoman Turks (16th - early 17th century).
There are other less common types of
calligraphy, but by no means less beautiful.
Examples being Riq’a, Muhaqqaq, Rayhani,
Ijaza and Moroccan.

Fine Art
“God is Beautiful and Loves Beauty”;
so said prophet Muhammad some
1400 years ago. He also said, “God likes
that when you do anything, you do it
excellently.” (Reported by Muslim)
S
uch prophetic sayings provided the
impetus for the Muslim’s beautification
and adornment of their places of
worship, homes, and even of articles in
common use in everyday life. Islamic
architecture and decorative arts are still very
much alive and valued in many parts of the
Muslim world.
Islamic art developed a unique character,
utilising a number of primary forms:
geometric, arabesque, floral, and calligraphic,
which are often interwoven. From early
times, Muslim art has reflected a balanced,
harmonious world-view.
75
Islamic art
developed a
unique character,
utilising a number
Muslims are convinced of the
balance and harmony of all things of primary
in existence. Nothing occurs
randomly or by chance, for all is forms...
part of the plan of the All-Wise,
Most Merciful Planner. Some
essentials of Islamic art are:
• Islamic art seeks to portray
the meaning and essence of
things, rather than just their
physical form.
• Crafts and decorative arts are
elevated to the status of art.
• Calligraphy is a major form of
art in Islam.
• Intricate geometrical and floral
patterns play an enormous role in
Islamic art.
• Islamic art involves all types of
art, not just explicitly religious art.

The Islamic
Architecture
The architecture of the Islamic
world throughout history was
strengthened by its spiritual
foundation, the Qur’an.
77
U
rban areas in Islamic cities evolved
over long periods of time with
generations of craftsmen whose
experience added variety to the environment.
The traditional city linked the architecture
of Islamic schools, the market place, the palace
and the home together with the mosque at the
centre, to create beauty throughout our towns.
The mosques and palaces became, with
leaps in architecture, more elaborate in
decoration and design. The development of
the dome allowed a large open prayer area and
the calligraphic inscriptions glorified Allah.
One common theme
is the general absence
of human and animal
form in architecture.
One common theme is the general absence
of human and animal form in architecture.
You will find that beautification instead
centres on the words, text and script, praising
Allah through the use of calligraphy.
A typical Islamic house would have certain
features such as hidden courtyards to protect
the family life from people outside and the
harsh environment. The outside of the
house is often very plain with the decorative
concentration on the inside of the house.
Over time, the house would be extended to
accommodate the needs of a growing family –
often with separate houses being built within
one compound for the extended family.

Islamic
Stained Glass
The earliest reported Islamic
use of stained glass for the
beautification of buildings was
in the 7th century in Egypt.
Further, modern archaeological
discoveries have linked the trade
of stained glass from Egypt to
Vietnam in the 9th century.
B A
y contrast, in Europe the art
of stained glass reached its
height between 1150 and
1500, when magnificent windows
were created for great cathedrals.
Some of the influences of the
stained glass design centred
around geometric shape,
calligraphy and the Islamic floral
theme as found richly in the
Ottoman area. Any artist aspires
to the classical principles of
harmony, unity and beauty by
shaping and modifying the glass
surface, painting with light to
reveal multiple depths of pattern
and decoration.
Some of the
influences of the
stained glass
design centred
around geometric
shape...
Examples of this can be seen in
the large and the small, from the
beautification of grand mosques
such as those created by the
Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan,
in different parts of the Muslim
world, to the street lamps that
illuminated the Muslim towns
many hundreds of years ago.
79
Arabesque
Arabesque is generally an elaborative
application of repeating geometric
shapes that often echoes the form of
plants and animals.
rabesques are an element of Islamic art
usually found decorating the windows
and entrances of mosques, homes,
souqs and inns. The choice of geometric forms
which are to be used and how they are to be
formatted, is based upon the Muslim artist’s
creativity and view of the world. Arabesque art
is occasionally accompanied by calligraphy.
Arabesque Art often uses repeating
geometric forms which have many hidden
meanings behind them. One such example
is that of the simple square, with its four
equilateral sides, where the artist is trying
to symbolise the equally important elements
of nature; earth, air, fire and water. Circular
shapes however, illustrate the never-ending
oneness of the Creator.
 83

Islam &
Az-Zahrawi (abulcasis) was a Muslim
surgeon who introduced over 200 Al-Jazari invents the crank-shaft
Muslim Chemist Jabir ibn Hayyan surgical instruments, some of which which translates rotary motion
discovers Nitric Acid and describes are prototypes of ones used today. into linear motion and is central
the operation of evaporation, filtration, Also his practice of using ink to mark Al-Biruni was among those to much of the machinery in the

Civilisation
sublimination, melting, distillation, incisions is still a standard operating who laid the foundation modern world, not least the
calcination and crystallisation procedure in the present day for modern trigonometry internal combustion engine

Ar-Razi (Rhases) Muslim astronomers Ibn Sina (Avicenna) writes Canon of

Al-Fazari builds the astrolabe; presents the first ever arrive at the figure of Medicine (14 volumes). This is considered
the most important astronomical clinical report on 33 20° for the latitude the most famous book in the history of
calculating device before the of Baghdad - a margin medicine and for over 700 years was a
You would be surprised to learn that the invention of digial computers
smallpox that includes a
method for vaccination of error of only 10° standard medical reference in Europe
Islamic Empire took less than 100 years to Ibnun-Nafees
explains the
build, essentially the shortest such emergence circulatory system
in recorded history. After the establishment, Ibn Yunus Al-Masri 300 years before the
Al-Battani is the first 869 physicians applied discovers the pendulum Operations to remove birth of Sir William
the progress within the civilisation was to use the expressions for licensing examination and documents its cataract were first Harvey, to whom this
astounding. It continued to lead the world “sine” and “cosine” in Baghdad oscillatory motion performed in Iraq discovery is credited

of science for nearly 1000 years.

613 Hijra of Prophet Mohammad

W
e need to ask questions of what the main
600 CE 700 800 The Caliph Al-Ma’moon 900 Abul-Wafa discovers the 1000 Al-Bruni proposes that the 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500
inspiring force behing the lightening speed estimates the earth’s 3rd lunar inequality, the Earth rotates around its
of the rise of the Islamic civilisation was, circumference to be 24,000 same discovery that was own axis, calculates the
and why it continued to grow and expand for at least miles; a very close figure to attributed nearly 1000 Earth’s circumference,
the one arrived at by the years later to the Danish and fixes scientifically the
five centuries. most modern means today Astronomer, Tycho-Braho direction of Mecca from
Before Islam, the Arabian Peninsula was not at any point of the globe
Mohammad Bin Musa Ar-Razi determines Mohammad Bin Ahmed Abul-Hassan Al-Marakishi Piri Re’is the Ottoman,
the forte of development, rather it was steeped in Al-Khawaizmi develops that the stars were revolutionises mathematics by lists the coordinates of createst the famous ‘Map
tradition. After the revelation of the Qur’an, we found Algebra and gives his moving varied in inventing the concept of zero 130 places of America’ which clearly
the message of Islam constantly urging humankind to name to algorithms distance from earth (Sifer in Arabic, from which the shows Anrarctica, as well
term Cipher and decipher were as the Andes Mountains
think, learn, observe, and explore the bounties created derived). It was not until 300 of South America
by God for human use in their role as trustees on earth. years later that Europe began to
The first hospital was understand this concept
“Say: Are those who know equal to those who do not built in Damascus in 707
know? Only they will remember (who are) people of
understanding.” [Qur’an 39:9]
For several centuries, the language of the Qur’an
MEDICINE MATHEMATICS ASTRONOMY CHEMISTRY GEOMETRY ENGINEERING TRADE, MONEY & COINS
(Arabic) was the international vehicle for scientific Muslim interest in health care is related to Muslim mathematicians made significant “And it is He who placed for you the stars that Muslim scholars refuted alchemy and While Europe believed that the earth was flat, Valuable contributions to the field of Trade played a huge role in The Muslim world.
research and advancement as English is today. Islamic teachings. It is reported that Prophet advances in maths. They introduced the zero, you may be guided by them through the established the basis of modern chemistry. Muslims were using globes to study geography. engineering have been made by Muslim Some historians report that up to 850 Muslim
Mohammad said: “All worshippers of Allah, Algebra and Algorithms to the world. They darknesses of the land and sea. We have Many of the discoveries made by the Muslim Writing in the 12th century, the Muslim engineers. Al-Jazari wrote a book describing ships were docked in the port of Canton (China)
Europeans who wanted to study physics, chemistry, seek medication for Allah did not create a were also the first to use the sine and co-sine. detailed the signs for a people who know.” chemists have become part of our modern geographer, Al-Idrisi said: “The Earth is round fifty mechanical devices in six different at one time. Islamic coins were found as far off
disease without creating a cure for it.” Trigonometry is developed as a distinct branch [Qur’an 6:97] chemical world. In fact, many English terms in like a sphere and water adheres to it through a categories. Another great work is “The Book of as Scandinavia. A golden Anglo-Saxon coin
mathematics, astronomy or medicine had to flock to [Reported by Abu Dawood] of mathematics. They also had a major Among Muslim achievements is the discovery of chemistry originated from Arabic, terms such natural equilibrium which suffers no Ingenious Devices” written by Banu Musa. In it, carried the name of King Offa Rex of Mercia on
Muslim universities, especially in Muslim Spain. Muslim physicians made outstanding influence on the development of the sun’s apogee (the points farthest from the as; camphor, alcohol, elixir, alkali and syrup. variations.” Islamic interest in geography they describe a total of 100 devices and how to one side; the Muslim declaration of faith on the
contributions in the field of medicine. The non-Euclidean Geometry. Their achievements Earth in the orbit of the sun). They drew a sparks from the duty of sharing the message of use them. Some of the inventions included are: other. The modern cheque comes from the
This enthusiasm for learning could only be matched first hospital was built in Damascus in 707CE, opened the door to higher mathematics. catalogue of maps of visible stars giving them Islam with the world. the valve, float valve, feedback controller, a Arabic saqq, a written vow to pay for goods upon
and soon most major Islamic cities had Arabic names, corrected the sun and moon programmable machine, trick devices, and delivery to avoid transporting money across
by the attitude of tolerance that recognised and hospitals which pioneered the practices of tables and fixed the length of the year. self-trimming lamps. dangerous lands.
encouraged scholars regardless of their religion. diagnosis, cure, and prevetion.

The Environment
In Islam the relationship between humankind
and the environment is based on the fact
that everything on Earth worships Allah.
85
T
his worship is not merely ritual
practice, but translated into actions;
which means it is part of the belief of
the Muslim to not damage the environment.
Moreover, humans are responsible for
the welfare and sustenance of the other
inhabitants of this global environment, as the
animal and plant kingdoms can not damage
or destroy their environments.

the first to establish
trees could not be cut
Preserving Trees
Prophet Muhammad encouraged
farming to increase agricultural
resources and enhance a
benevolent environment.
87
H
e said: “Whenever a Muslim
plants or grows a sapling or
a plant, and a human being,
a beast, or anything else feeds
upon it, it is counted for him as an
act of benevolence.” (Bukhari)
Prophet
Muhammad was
environmental
reservations, where
down and animals
could not be killed.
Prophet Muhammad was the
first to establish environmental
reservations, where trees could not
be cut down and animals could not
be killed. He protected the whole
of Madinah where no tree could
be uprooted and nothing bigger
than what can be used to drive a
camel could be cut. He said: “It is
sacred, and none of its trees may
be cut, except for a man feeding his
camel.” (Bukhari)
He also said: “I forbid the trees
between the two lavas of Madinah
to be cut down.” (Bukhari)
 89

Water
The prohibition on polluting water
sources, roads and other areas of the
common environment are some of the
Islamic directives that aim to keep the
environment healthy and pollution free.

I
slam makes the protection of the
environment and censure of its corruption a
duty of every citizen in a righteous society.
“Why were there not among the generations
before you some upright men preaching
against corruption on earth?” (Qur’an 11: 116)
“Let no one urinate in stagnant water.”
(Bukhari)
“Avoid the three actions that bring people’s
Caring for Animals
curses, defecating in water sources, on roads,
and in the shade.” (Abu Dawood)
Imam Ibn Hazm says in his book Al-Muhalla:
“Charity to animals is benevolence and piety,
and when a man does not help with animal
welfare, he is promoting sin and aggression
and disobeying God the Almighty.”

T
o keep an animal far from
food and water, and to
neglect the irrigation of fruit
trees and plants until they perish
is, according to God’s own words,
corruption on earth and destruction
of plants and progeny.
“A prostitute was forgiven by
God because, passing by a panting
dog near a well and seeing that
the dog was about to die of thirst,
she took off her shoe, and tying it
with her head-cover she drew out
some water for it. So, God forgave
her because of that good deed.”
(Bukhari)
The prophet cursed one who
kills a living creature as a mere
sport [as in hunting]. (Muslim)
The prophet prohibited the
setting of animals so as to fight one
another as a sport. (At-Tirmidhi)

Keeping
Cities Clean
P P
rophet Muhammad used to urge people
to clean and not pollute their towns. He
said:
“I have been shown the deeds of my
followers: both good and bad ones. I found
among their good deeds the removal of
harmful objects from people’s way.” (Muslim)
He also said: “Faith includes over seventy
branches, ...the simplest of which is the
removal of any source of harm from the road.”
(Muslim)
91
Community
rophet Muhammad forbade causing
harm to individuals and to the
community, as he said:
“There shall be no infliction of harm on
oneself or others.” (Ibn Majah)
He also forbade any injury to one’s
neighbour, any neighbour, whether in
residence, public transport, public places,
or offices. He said: “Whoever believes in God
and the Day of Judgement should not hurt his
neighbour.” (Bukhari)
 93

Before Islam, those who

had power and authority
would abuse the rights
of those less fortunate;
women were owned as
possessions, children were
murdered at birth, and
those without protection
were treated as slaves.

Islam &
I
slam has a very comprehensive code on

Human human rights and the treatment of human

beings from sections of the community that
can be vulnerable. Islam came and outlawed

Rights
many of these abhorrent practices, and
restored dignity to the most oppressed.
Islam legislated the rights of humans upon
one another, and reinforced the equivalence
of all, reminding humanity of the equality
between men and women, Arab and non-Arab,
regardless of colour; superiority in Islam is
based upon piety and love of Allah.

Women
in Islam
Islam was revealed at a time
when many people throughout
the world denied the humanity
of women. Whether seen as
sub-human or not, women were
still considered a thing created
for the humble service of men.
I
slam returned the rights to
women that had been eroded
away by a decadent society.
The woman’s dignity and humanity
were restored, making her status
equal to that of man. Female
infanticide was outlawed and
rights were given to women in
regards to inheritance which did
not exist previously. Among other
things, women now had the right
to have personal possessions and
therefore have their own money
outlawed and rights were
given to women in regards
to inheritance which did
and wealth (with no obligation to
spend upon their families), the
right to agree to marriage (her
consent is obligatory), and then
keep her maiden name after
marriage. They now had the right
to divorce, to education, to vote;
the rights are many and put women
not only on an equal pedestal, but
elevated their status above that of
men in many circumstances:
Abu Hurairah related that a man
came to the prophet Muhammad
95
and asked, “O messenger of Allah, which
person of all the people is best entitled to
kind treatment and good companionship from
me?” He answered, “Your mother.” The man
asked, “And then?” He said, “Your mother.”
“And after her?” He said, “Your mother.” “And
after her?” The prophet said, “Your father.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Many rights were only furnished to women
recently in the West; a clear example of this is
where the right to own property, the right to
execute her own will and the right to divorce
only came into law in the 19th century.
Further, due to cultural misguidance seen in
some societies outside of the Muslim world,
Female infanticide was
not exist previously.
the birth of a daughter is still viewed as a
burden. Female infanticide is still common
through abortion, and leaves a large disparity
between the numbers of men and women
within those communities.
The Islamic view on the status of women
can be summarised in the following verse of
the Qur’an:
“Their Lord responded to them: ‘I never fail
to reward any worker among you for any work
you do, be you male or female, you are equal to
one another...’ ” (Qur’an 3: 195)
 97
Furthermore, the mind of the child must
be nurtured, and education is vital in this
respect. The heart of a child must be filled
with faith, the child’s mind entertained with
proper guidance, knowledge and wisdom, and

The Rights of morals and good character are integral to the

child’s development.

Children in Islam
“Fear Allah and treat your children [small
or grown] fairly [with equal justice].” (Bukhari
and Muslim)

In much of the world before Islam,

The Qur’an rejected all
there was a great deal of mistreatment inhumane treatment
of children, the worst of which was
infanticide; the killing of children soon and gave children
after birth.
many rights...

T
his was practised for fear of destitution,
as sacrifices to false gods, or for
preventing social disgrace with the
birth of a daughter.
The Qur’an rejected all inhumane treatment
and gave children many rights; the rights to
be fed, clothed and protected, the right to
enjoy love and affection from their parents,
the right to equal treatment between the
siblings, the right to education and the right
to adequate inheritance.
“Say, ‘Come, I will recite what your Lord has
prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not
associate anything with Him, and to parents,
good treatment, and do not kill your children
out of poverty; We will provide for you and
them...’ ” (Qur’an 6: 151)

Human Rights in
Islam and Ethnic
Minorities
Islam gave to mankind an ideal
code of human rights 14 centuries
ago. These rights aim to confer
honour and dignity upon mankind
and eliminate exploitation,
oppression and injustice.
T
hese were summarised in
the Final Sermon of prophet
Muhammad, considered the
first human rights declaration.
These rights exist for all
communities, whether Muslim or
not, the male and the female, those
living in peace or in war; their
rights are guaranteed by Allah.
“..All mankind is from Adam and
Eve, an Arab has no superiority
over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab
has any superiority over an Arab;
also a white has no superiority
over black nor a black has any
superiority over white except by
piety and good action...” (Excerpt
from the Final Sermon).
Human rights in Islam are firmly
rooted in the belief that Allah, and
Allah alone, is the Law Giver and
the source of all human rights.
Due to their divine origin, no ruler,
government, assembly or authority
can curtail or violate in any way the
human rights conferred by Allah,
nor can they be surrendered.
These rights are also evident when
it comes to non-Muslims living
in Muslim society. The prophet
Muhammad used to visit the sick
people in Madinah, Jews as well
99
Human rights in Islam are
firmly rooted in the belief that
Allah, and Allah alone is the
Law Giver...
as Muslims. Hospitals admitted the Spanish Inquisition the Muslim
and treated people irrelevant of World was a safe haven for the
their religion or social status. At Jews, who like the Muslims were
the governmental level, Christians fleeing Spanish persecution, after
and Jews reached prominent prospering and living in harmony
positions of authority. When a in Muslim Spain for over 700 years.
Jewish funeral procession passed “Whoever kills an innocent soul,
by the Prophet, he stood up as who has not taken a life or brought
a sign of respect. Christians and destruction to society, it is as if he
Jews were admitted to Muslim has killed the entire humanity; and
schools, colleges and universities whoever saves an innocent soul it
and some were given boarding at is as if he has saved the entire
the expense of the State. During humanity.” (Qur’an 5: 32)

The Last Sermon
of the prophet
Mohammed
Saturday, March the 7th, 632CE
T
h e fi r s t h u m a n r i g h t s
declaration in the world,
before the Magna Carta, the
Bill of Rights and the UN human
rights codes.
“...O People, just as you regard this
month, this day, this city as sacred,
so regard the life and property of
every Muslim as a sacred trust.
Return the goods entrusted to you
to their rightful owners. Hurt no
one so that no one may hurt you.
Remember that you will indeed
meet your Lord, and that He will
indeed reckon your deeds. Allah
has forbidden you to take interest,
therefore all interest obligation
shall henceforth be waived. Your
capital, however, is yours to keep.
You will neither inflict nor suffer
any inequity. Allah has judged that
there shall be no interest…
O People, it is true that you have
certain rights with regard to your
women, but they also have rights
over you. Remember that you have
taken them as your wives only
under Allah’s trust and with His
permission. If they abide by your
right then to them belongs the right
to be fed and clothed in kindness.
Do treat your women well and be
kind to them for they are your
partners and committed helpers.
And it is your right that they do not
allow anyone to enter your house
whom you do not approve of, as well
as never to be unchaste...
All mankind is from Adam and
Eve, an Arab has no superiority
over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab
has any superiority over an Arab,
also a white has no superiority
over black nor a black has any
superiority over white except by
piety and good action. Learn that
every Muslim is a brother to every
Muslim and that the Muslims
constitute one brotherhood.
Nothing shall be legitimate to a
Muslim which belongs to a fellow
Muslim unless it was given freely
and willingly. Do not, therefore, do
injustice to yourselves…
O People, no prophet or apostle
101
will come after me and no new faith
will be born. Reason well, therefore,
O people, and understand words
which I convey to you. I leave
behind me two things, the Qur’an
and my example, the Sunnah, and
if you follow these you will never
go astray…
All those who listen to me shall
pass on my words to others and
those to others again, and may the
last ones understand my words
better than those who listen to me
directly. Be my witness, O Allah,
that I have conveyed Your message
to Your people.”

The Covenant
of Omar
When Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (the
second Caliph) entered Jerusalem
at the head of a Muslim army in
638CE, he entered the city on
foot, as a gesture of humility.
T He whoever
here was no bloodshed.
O n t h e c o nt ra ry , t h o s e
who wanted to leave were
allowed to do so with all their
possessions and were guaranteed
a safe passage. Those who wanted
to stay were granted protection
for their lives, their property,
and their places of worship.
Umar declined the offer made
by Patriarch Sophronius, chief
magistrate of the surrendered
city, to pray one of the five daily
prayers in the Church of the Holy
Sepulchre, lest in years to come,
Muslims might try to turn it into a
mosque in his memory.
“In the Name of Allah, the Most
Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
This is an assurance of peace and
protection given by the servant
of Allah, Umar, Commander of
the Believers to the people of Ilia’
(Jerusalem)…”
He gave them an assurance of
protection for their lives, property,
churches and crosses as well as
the sick and healthy and all its
religious community.
“...their churches shall not be
occupied, demolished nor taken
away wholly or in part. None of
their crosses nor property shall be
seized. They shall not be coerced
in their religion nor shall any of
them be injured. The people of
Ilia shall pay Jizyah (head tax on
non-Muslims living under the
protection of Muslim rule; paid for
utilising the benefits of citizenship
and as exemption from military
service) as inhabitants of cities do…
Whoever wants to leave shall
be guaranteed safety for his life
and property until he reaches his
safe haven. Whoever stays shall
also be safe, in which case he shall
pay as much tax as the people of
103
gets out shall
Ilia’ do. Should any of the people
of Ilia wish to move together
be guaranteed
with their property along with
the Romans and to clear out of
safety for
their churches and crosses, they
shall be guaranteed safety for
his life and
their lives, churches and crosses,
until they have reached their
property until
safe haven. He whoever wishes he reaches his
to move along with the Roman,
may do so, and whoever wishes to safe haven.
return back home to his kinsfolk,
may do so. Nothing shall be taken
from them until their crops have
been harvested. To the contents Witnesses to the covenant
of this covenant here are given the were: Khalid Ibn Al-Waleed,
Covenant of Allah, the guarantees Abdur-Rahman Ibn Auf, Amr Ibn
of His messenger, the Caliphs and Al-`Aas and Mu’awiya Ibn Abi-
the Believers, provided the people Sufian. Made and executed in the
of Ilia’ pay their due Gaza…” year 15 AH.
The existence of life is a marvel. Everything that we see, feel
and touch is in perfect harmony within a grand scheme of
things from galaxies and stars to subatomic particles. Islam
offers a unique insight and a clear perspective of things we
know and so much that we do not know. Though Islam has
been a victim of countless propaganda and media attacks, it
remains the fastest growing religion in the world. For curious
minds, this fact alone is enough to investigate Islam. And upon
a closer look, one finds clarity of message and simplicity that
explains Islam’s universal acceptance and rapid growth.
Understanding Islam is an attempt to present the belief and
practices of the 1.8 billion Muslims around the globe. This
knowledge, i.e. Islam was revealed to mankind 1400 years
ago and has been passed on unaltered from generation to
generation ever since, in a book known as ‘Qur’an’.
If you too are curious about Islam; there is no better time
to learn about it than now. So get a cup of coffee, relax and
start your journey to understanding the faith that has stood
the test of time.

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